Saturday, April 11, 2009

H.H Lt.Gen.Mompati S.Merafhe,MP,Vice President of the Rep.of Botswana and MP for Mahalapye West on the Hand Over of a House donated by Tidima V.D.C.

source: Republic of Botswana (8/4/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 10 of 2009The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

4/4/09: REMARKS BY HIS HONOUR LT. GEN. MOMPATI S. MERAFHE, MP, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MAHALAPYE WEST ON THE OCCASION OF THE HAND OVER OF A HOUSE DONATED BY TIDIMA V.D.C. TO MR. MATHE MOKUNGA.

[Salutations]…Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am delighted to join you this morning to witness the handing over of the keys of this beautiful and uplifting gift of a house to Mr. Mathe Mokunga- affectionately referred to as Rakgopa.

2. One of the principles that underpin the foundation of this nation is self-reliance. Botho is yet another founding principle that defines our character as the good natured people of Botswana. Self-reliance and Botho call on us as communities and individuals to invoke our humanity and compassion to do things for ourselves and for our fellow citizens who are disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.

3. I am glad that I am here today to bear witness to this traditional Tswana compassion, generosity and love. I have no doubt that all of us would like to see this spirit radiating across the length and breadth of this country.

4. Ladies and Gentlemen, Tidima VDC which initiated this project and worked hard to deliver it in a period of only one month needs to be commended for this noble act of Botho. I am hopeful that others elsewhere are not just watching with envy but are equally keen to emulate this noble effort. Giving a needy person protective shelter in the form of a house is one of the greatest deeds of kindness. It is a big step in aiding efforts to address poverty in this country.

5. Anybody associated with such initiatives must know that these acts of kindness and generosity rhyme with God’s desire for the human race. Indeed those who summon the spirit of goodness in themselves to give to the needy will find peace and eternal happiness in the knowledge that “Blessed Is the Hand That Gives.”

6. Bagaetsho, This donation and many others that Batswana communities are initiating in other parts of this country are indicative of the fact that our people are now taking responsibility to reverse the culture of dependency on Government by doing things themselves. As you all know, much as Government is committed to the welfare of Batswana, the resources at our disposal are limited. This is even more so at this time of the global economic and financial crisis that has also affected Botswana. It is therefore important for all of us, whenever we can, to support Government’s efforts by mobilizing our communities to engage in self-reliance projects to improve the welfare of those in need.

7. There cannot be Dignity when people are subjected to abject poverty. Vision 2016 implores us to be a “Compassionate and Caring Nation.” This is something that we must continue to take seriously.

8. As your Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, I am proud that my constituents are heeding the message of Care and Compassion in our Vision 2016. I am saying so because this donation we are witnessing today follows on other similar initiatives in 2008, some of which involved the active participation of the business community. For example, in 2008 alone here in Mahalapye, Broadway Motors donated 98 blankets to the needy, Choppies Stores gave Christmas confectionaries to 200 orphaned children while Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BHIL) Trust Fund donated a minibus to the Central Association for the Blind and Disabled.

9. Let me in this connection take this opportunity to thank the business community for doing their best to respond to the call of Vision 2016 by giving to the needy here in Mahalapye and in other parts of this country. I have said before that there can never be enough of ceremonies such at this one at which we recognize the champions of these acts of compassion and generosity.

10. I am prepared to support you in whatever way possible, including finding time whenever my schedule permits, to be with you when more such acts are unveiled. These acts of giving can boost our national efforts to fight poverty and stigma, and make the needy citizens live a life of hope, promise and most importantly find Dignity.

11. Let me congratulate Rre Mathe Mokunga for having been selected to receive the house being donated today. I urge him and hope that he will look after this property because he is lucky to have been selected from among many other equally deserving citizens.

12. My very special gratitude goes to TIDIMA VDC and their partners in the initiation and implementation of this project, namely the Department of Social and Community Development, G & B Builders, and individuals such as Mrs Nono Wenoemang for their different contributions in the construction of this house. Le ka moso bagaetsho!

13. It is now my pleasure, on behalf of the Tidima VDC and all those involved in the success of this project, to hand over the keys of this house at Madiba 14 Ward to Mr. Mathe Mokunga.

14. I thank you all for joining us this morning to make a difference in the life of this Mahalapye resident. Pula!